How far may a nurses station be from the most remote resident room served?

The appropriate distance a nurses’ station may be from the most remote resident room served is specified in various nursing home regulations to ensure that residents receive timely care and attention. A maximum distance of 120 feet is established as it balances the need for quick response times in emergencies with the practical layout of nursing facilities.

This distance allows staff to efficiently monitor and interact with residents while ensuring that they can quickly respond to calls for assistance, medicine distribution, and other care needs. In addition, a nurses’ station's design is taken into account, ensuring that it remains in a central location that is conducive to both staff workflow and resident safety.

In contrast, distances longer than 120 feet could potentially delay the response time from nursing staff, which may lead to less effective care delivery and could compromise resident safety. Therefore, the standard of 120 feet fosters a better environment for efficient care while still allowing for the functional design of the facility.